The DesignDash Podcast

Episode 26: Katie Decker-Erickson

How do you find balance between creative passion and business success? Can your intuition guide you to make the right decisions, even when faced with overwhelming growth? In this episode, Katie Decker-Erickson reveals the deeply personal and professional journey that took her from solopreneur to leading a thriving design firm—and the life lessons learned along the way.
Katie’s story is all about grit, growth, and letting your intuition guide the way. Starting in 2007, she took ColorWorks from a solo venture to a fully-fledged firm that serves multifamily, commercial, medical, and government clients. But it didn’t happen overnight—Katie shares the hard-earned lessons from her journey, and the moments that shaped her both personally and professionally.
This conversation goes deep, y’all. We cover everything from how Katie transitioned out of residential design (“I realized it just wasn’t for me!”) to her love for the business side of design. But more importantly, Katie gets real about the importance of knowing when to say no and why she’s passionate about helping other women succeed in this industry.
Tune in for the full episode!
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Episode 25: Parenting Through the Toughest Years

Today’s episode is a little different—an honest chat about something we’re both knee-deep in right now: parenting teen girls.
We’re not here to talk about business or design today. Nope, this one’s for the parents who are in the trenches, trying to figure out what happened to their sweet, chatty children who suddenly seem like strangers. 
In this episode, we get real about the struggle to stay connected with our children as they pull away to become their own people. We talk about the delicate dance between giving them independence and trying to hold onto those precious moments where they still need us. And let’s not forget the minefield that is social media—how do we protect our kids without turning into the “uncool” parents? We’ve got some thoughts on that, too.
But this isn’t just about our stories—it’s about creating a space where we can all share the challenges and victories of parenting through these tricky years. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I the only one who feels like they’re winging it?”—you’re not. We’re right there with you, figuring it out as we go.
Tune in to hear about the chaos, the confusion, and the small victories that come with raising girls on the cusp of their teenage years.
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Episode 24: Nicole Malachowski

Nicole Malachowski is no ordinary guest; she is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and the first woman to fly with the elite Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Her remarkable military career spans over two decades, during which she broke barriers, served in high-profile positions, and earned accolades that few can claim. 
In this episode, Melissa and I sit down with Nicole to dive into her awe-inspiring journey—one that took her from soaring through the skies to confronting a debilitating illness that forced her to redefine success and find new purpose. We talk about everything from balancing our careers with family life (because let’s be real, the struggle is real) to the power of vulnerability in leadership. Nicole shares how she’s learned to set boundaries, ask for help, and lead with authenticity, all while embracing the mantra “yield to overcome.”
Nicole reveals her strategy for balancing a demanding career with family life, highlighting why "work-life balance" is a myth and how to achieve "work-life harmony" instead. "I discovered that instead of chasing balance, what I needed was harmony—a rhythm that allowed me to be fully present in each role when it mattered most."
Tune in to hear how Nicole's journey from fighter pilot to motivational speaker is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.
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Episode 23: Erika De Pellegrin

In this episode we’re diving deep into a conversation that hits home for so many of us—finding balance in the beautiful chaos of life. You know how it is—juggling work, family, passion projects, and somewhere in between, trying to find a moment to just breathe.
This time, we're joined by a special guest, Erika De Pellegrin. Erika’s someone who really gets it. She’s a strategic legal consultant, a powerhouse of wisdom, and the voice behind the Balance Theory podcast. Together, we’re peeling back the layers on what it truly means to live a balanced life—spoiler alert: it’s not about having everything perfectly in place.
We talk about the moments when life feels like a rollercoaster—those highs where you’re on top of the world, and the lows where you just want to hide under the covers. Erika shares her journey from trying to be superwoman to embracing the ebbs and flows of life with grace. Trust me, her insights on prioritizing what truly matters, and the mindset shifts that keep her grounded, are things you don’t want to miss.
Checkout Erika De Pellegrin podcast - Click here
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Episode 22: Diana Indries

Ever wondered if a game could save your relationship? Join us on this episode of the Design Dash Podcast as we explore the art of meaningful conversations with Diana Indries, co-owner and CEO of Better Topics, a revolutionary card game designed to deepen relationships through playful interaction.
Diana shares her personal journey from a soul-draining corporate job to creating a game that has transformed thousands of couples' lives across 170 countries. Learn how Better Topics breaks down communication barriers and brings couples closer together with its unique blend of engaging questions and rewarding gameplay.
Key Highlights:
Diana’s inspiring transition from NHS management to entrepreneurship.
The importance of communication and how Better Topics makes it fun and effective.
How to tailor the game for both new and long-term relationships.
Real-life success stories from couples who have rediscovered their connection.
Tune in now to discover how you can transform your relationship, one question at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Design Dash Podcast!
Connect with Diana Indries
Website: Better Topics
Instagram: @bettertopics
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Episode 21: The DesignDash Mastermind

In this episode, we’re going to be talking about the power and magic of networking and community – but not just the typical networking meetings that everyone thinks of and gets a little nervous about. We’re talking about real-life networking, the kind that creates lasting, valuable connections. This was precisely why we started a program we call Mastermind.
So, why did we start the Design Dash Mastermind? It all began with a simple idea: connecting with other design business owners. We wanted a space to share experiences, learn from each other, and grow together. And guess what? It worked! We've completed two successful cohorts and created a fantastic community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
We’ve seen solopreneurs grow their teams, business owners expand to new locations, and members charging what they’re worth. These are real, tangible benefits of being in the mastermind group. Hearing how others overcame similar challenges and succeeded can be incredibly motivating.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our mastermind program and share the incredible results we've seen from our members. We believe that everyone can benefit from the power of community, and we encourage you to consider joining our next cohort.
Check out our website: https://designdash.com/designdash-mastermind/
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Episode 20: Erin Cummings

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with the incredible Erin Cummings, an inspiring entrepreneur and and the visionary behind Yes Yoga, a transformative lifestyle brand in Texas. In addition to that, Erin has also authored a book "The Possibility Project," a journal guided towards encouraging readers to explore what's possible in their lives by focusing on what they truly value and what's already working for them.
Erin emphasizes the importance of intentional living, which began when she and her husband who actually she met during her high school moved to Houston without any family support. A move that forced them to become goal-oriented and mindful about their choices, setting the stage for Erin's entrepreneurial spirit.  A significant part of our discussion centered around the concept of work-life balance which Erin argued that balance is an elusive goal and that it's more about making intentional choices and being okay with the resulting imbalance. 
Tune into this inspiring episode to learn more about Erin Cummings as she takes us through her incredible journey, offering valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, mindfulness, and the power of intentional living.
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EP 19: Let’s do a Mid-Year Check-In

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2024?! I want you to check in with yourself real quick. Remember those big goals you set for yourself this year? How are you doing? Are you on track to hit them? Or wayyyyyy behind?
Reflecting on progress, celebrating wins and learning from our successes and setbacks is an essential part of our growth, along with staying open to new possibilities, and a willingness to adjust our goals if need be.
In this episode, Melissa and I reflect on our achievements, challenges, and the invaluable insights shared by our extraordinary guests from the past quarter: Carrie Colbert, Lauren Levicki, Jen White, and Avery Thatcher. 
We talk about setting goals for the rest of the year, ditching the all-or-nothing approach, and finding small ways to make progress. Discover how small, intentional changes can lead to significant growth and why embracing the present moment is crucial for success.Tune in to find out how you can reset, refocus, and reignite your passion for the rest of 2024.
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EP 18: Feeling Burnt Out? How to Recognize and Recover with Avery Thatcher

This week, Melissa and I had an eye-opening conversation with Avery Thatcher, a burnout recovery and prevention strategist who has transformed her own life from the depths of burnout to one of balance and fulfillment. Avery’s insights and practical tips are not only powerful but also life-changing.
What You’ll Discover:
The Four Types of Burnout: Avery breaks down the different kinds of burnout and how to identify them in your own life.
Recovery Strategies: Learn simple yet effective methods to regain your energy and prevent burnout from taking over.
The Power of Self-Care: Discover how small, consistent practices can make a huge difference in managing stress and anxiety.
 The discussion also covers the intersection of anxiety, trauma, and burnout. Avery explains how these conditions are often intertwined and provides insights into working with, rather than against, anxiety.  Avery emphasizes the need to listen to your body, set boundaries, and make thoughtful decisions that support your overall well-being. 
 
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EP 17: How to Build a Thriving Side Hustle While Keeping Your Day Job With Jen White

Jen White is a content creator known for her engaging and viral posts on Instagram and TikTok. In this episode, Jen brings a unique perspective to the world of social media. She first started her journey on YouTube eight years ago and has since grown her presence across multiple platforms. Jen is celebrated for her authentic and relatable content, especially among women in their 40s who seek inspiration and connection.
 
In this episode Jen shares her secrets to balancing her dual careers with grace and efficiency. Working from home has allowed her to blend her day job with her passion for content creation seamlessly. She offers practical tips on making the most of downtime and integrating content creation naturally into daily routines. Jen’s approach underscores the importance of making your passion work for you, rather than feeling like an additional burden.
 
"I decided to make my content fit seamlessly with my life and not be an additional burden."
 
A major highlight of our discussion with Jen is on the emphasis on authenticity. She talks about the significance of showing her true self on social media, from vlogging her daily routines to sharing personal milestones to her followers. Jen's candidness and willingness to be vulnerable have endeared her to a loyal following. Her approach serves as a reminder that authenticity resonates deeply with audiences and can set you apart in a crowded digital space.
 
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